An upsurge in the proliferation of hard and illicit substances amongst youths in the South west region has met with a complete ban by the governor of the region.
In respect of President Paul Biya’s quest for the continuous protection of young Cameroonians Bernard Okalia Bilai’s recent decision to put a stop to the circulation and consumption of drugs especially amongst youths has and continues to be widely acclaimed. A substance commonly known as “Wake Up” is said to have made way in to the region and consumed largely by young people. Aware of the negative effects of this substance on young people, the Governor has taken strict and immediate measures to take the harmful substances off the market. This move has been greatly appreciated for its timeliness by many in the region including Hon/ Bar. Nganje Shedill, a militant and party lawyer of the CPDM and former pioneer member of the South West Regional Assembly.
The silent but killer substance said to fast becoming a crisis, exposes young people to such dangers as mental health risks, addictions and criminal behaviors. Reacting to this situation, Hon. Bar. Nganje said “The governor’s ban is not merely an administrative measure but also a protective shield for our youth. It is also a reaffirmation of the state’s duty and responsibility to protect public health and national security”.
This major decision also reflects the broader vision of the state under the leadership of President Paul Biya who places youth development, discipline and social stability at the heart of his national policy.
The CPDM and President Biya’s commitment to a healthy and discipline youth society cannot be overemphasized. “A nation cannot achieve emergence with a youth weakened by drugs”, Hon./Bar. Nganje hammered.
The CPDM is thus firmly in support of any initiative aimed at protecting the youth. Hence the widely acclaimed recent move of governor Okalia Bilai viewed by many as an alignment to the party’s grassroot approach to governance brings concrete solutions to daily challenges by citizens including the youth.
Hon/Bar. Nganje has been persistent in his support to this initiative and has reminded youths in the South west region that they must not only comply to the the ban but must as a duty take practical steps, own the campaign by educating their peers and also reporting all illegal activities to the right authorities for adequate corrective and protective measures.
Irene Aweneg, with field reports
